Safety & Seamanship

Offshore Log: Alternator Breakdown

When you don't have a back-up means of charging batteries, you carry a second alternator and learn about belts and tension.

Offshore Log: Across the Isthmus

Calypso transits the Panama Canal, but not without a few scary moments.

Offshore Log: Across the Pacific

Racing through paradise, Calypso sails nearly 5,000 miles from Panama to Tahiti. The GPS is a boon, but the watermaker and mini-M fail, causing problems.

Trim Design Turnbuckle

Big ships had bulwarks, hip-high extensions of the topsides to prevent the crew from falling or being swept overboard. Yachts had nothing; maybe a...

Buyer’s Guide: Children’s PFDs

For ultimate safety, we like the Type 1 Safegard, though kids prefer more comfortable vests such as the Type III Kent Casad and Extrasport.

Buyer’s Guide: Handheld Emergency Flares

The SOLAS-grade Pains-Wessex Pinpoint flares are bright and spatter-free at a reasonable price.

Buyer’s Guide: Simrad CP32 and RayChart 520 Top Gray Scale GPS/Chartplotters

The Simrad CP32 and Raytheon RayChart 520 have the best combination of features and displays of 10 gray scale units tested.

Offshore Log: Rigged For Downwind

Nick Nicholson critiques his downwind rig that uses a carbon fiber spinnaker pole from Hall Spars with Forespar end fittings.

Sunscreens: We Test Nine

With little difference between brands, we say go for Nantucket Gold at less than a dollar per ounce.

Offshore Log: America’s Cup Triumphs and Failures

This is the way the world endsThis is the way the world ends:Not with a bang, but with a whimper.-T.S. EliotThe world of America's...

Why This $1M+ Sailboat Might Be The Best Bluewater Cruiser in...

The Bluewater 56 is one of the most misunderstood offshore cruisers in the sailing world — and today we’re diving deep into what makes...

Latest Sailboat Review

The $100K Cruiser Showdown: How the Catalina 380 Stacks Up

Are you in the market for a 35 to 40 foot sailboat under $100,000? Are you considering a Catalina 380? Have you seen a...